Harness-suspending device



(NoModeL) L. TOWNSEND. HARNESSSUSPENDING DEVICE.

No. 488,854. Patented Dec. 27, 1892 '50 :5 a was can? 2 7 /6/ I Ziorneys.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LOUIS TOWNSEND, OF EVANSVILLE, INDIANA.

HARNESS-SUSPENDING DEVICE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 488,854, dated December 27, 1892.

Application filed June 3, 1892. Serial N0.435,402. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, LOUIS TOWNSEND, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Evansville, in the county of Vanderburg and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Harness-Hanging Devices; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in theart to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to harness hanging devices for use in fire engine and patrol wagon houses, by which the harness is suspended above the place where the horse stands when ready to be hitched up. As is well known in fire engine and other similar houses,-when it is desirable to have the horses hitched up or harnessed in a very rapid manner, the harness is suspended by suitable devices, in such manner that when the horse steps into its place in front of the engine orvehicle the device .can be drawn down and the harness detached, the suspension automatically returning to normal position so as to be out of the way.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved construction by which I secure superior advantages with respect to economy and simplicity in construction and efficiency in operation.

The invention consists in the novel construction and combination of devices hereinafter fully described and specifically pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the suspension device complete; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the hinged arms which support the harness.

In the said drawings the reference numeral 1, designates a metal plate which is secured to the ceiling joists of a room or house, having at each end downwardly depending lugs 2, in which are journaled sheavesor pulleys 3. Passing centrally through said plate and secured to and depending from the ceiling joist is a rod 4, provided with a head 5, and an elastic buffer 6. Encircling this rod is a cylindrical or other weight 7, having attached at its upper end cords or ropes 8, passing over the sheaves 3. The other ends of these ropes or cords are connected by means of loops 9, with straps 9", which in turn are connected by means of arms 10, with horizontally adj ustable extension bars 12. These bars consist preferably of ordinary gas pipe with their outer ends bent at an angle thereto forming arms 13, having their ends formed into short studs 14, and provided with collars 15. The harness is engaged with these studs which pass through loops or eyes therein, so that they can be readily disengaged when desired. The arms 13 at one end are secured to tubular sleeves 16, while thearms at the other end, pass into and are movable within the sleeve so as to be adjustable therein. are provided with set screws 17, bearing upon the adjustable arms so as to retain them in place. The arms or sleeves are connected together by hinge joints 18, so that they .will spread apart and keep the harness distended, a pintle 19,passing through the lugs forming the joints.

, The operation is as follows: The plate 1 and rod 4, are suspended from the ceilingjoist, so that when in normal position the suspension arms are elevated sufficiently for the engine or vehicle to readily clear the same, being held in this position by means of the weight 5. The harness is suspended from the studs on the ends of the arms, which are adjusted within the sleeves to correspond with the length of the horse. As the animal takes its place in front of the engine, the attendant pulls down the suspension arms, so that the harness will be properly guided to its proper place on the'animal. The harness is then disengaged from the studs in the arms, and the attendant releasing the suspension arms they will be returned to normal position by means of the weight and connections, the buffer 6, taking up the slack.

Having thus described my invention,what I claim is:

1. In a harness suspending device the combination with the plate provided with sheaves, and the depending rod, provided with a head and an elastic buffer, of the weight, the cords or ropes connected therewith, and the suspension arms, substantially as described.

The sleeves 2. In a harness suspending device the combinationwith the plate provided with sheaves, and the depending rod, provided with a weight, of the hinged suspension bars, and ropes and cords connecting said arms and weight, substantially as described.

3. In a harness suspending device, the 00111- bination with the plate having lugs in which are journaled sheaves or pulleys, the depending rod having a head, and an elastic buffer, and a vertically movable Weight, of the hinged suspension bars having curved arms, the connecting cords or ropes, and the straps, the tubular sleeves, and the short studs and collars, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereunto affixed my signature in presence of two witnesses.

LOUIS TOlVNSEND.

Witnesses:

JOHN SCI-ILAND, JACOB BECK. 

